Easy Pattern Making Lessons

SewTalk.com - lively community of sewing and crafting enthusiasts

SewingBusiness.com - information for anyone who earns or wants to earn a living from sewing

SarahJDoyle.com - blog about my personal and business life

MultipleMayhem.com - A blog about life with multiples

101WaysToTieAScarf.com - how to make your own scarves plus 101 ways to tie them

AlterationBiz.com - how to start and operate a profitable clothing alteration business

BabyBootz.com - pattern for adorable custom fitted soft sole leather shoes for infants and children

BigBeautifulPeople.com - classes, books and links that make it easier to sew for full figure and plus size women

CashFromYourCrafts.com - turn your favorite craft hobby into a business and earn extra cash

ClothingConstruction.com - how to put garments together in a basic step-by-step format

FaysFabrics.com - discount fabrics of all types including lycra, spandex, lingerie lace, elastics and more

i-Nursing.com - comfortable, modern nursing patterns for breastfeeding moms

LearnHowToSew.com - anyone can learn how to sew with these diagrams and explanations

MakeMaternityClothes.com - make your own stylish maternity clothes and maternity patterns

NurseryRoomProjects.com - 23 quick and easy craft and sewing projects for baby

Patterns2Go.com - download all your favorite craft and sewing patterns for quick and easy access

PatternsThatFitYou.com - the online fashion & design school for beginners and experts alike

PlusSizeChildren.com - patterns, classes and books that make it easier to sew for plus size children

PortaDiaper.com - exciting new "On The Go Diaper Changing Station" pattern

SewingWithLeather.com - everything you need to know about sewing with leather and suede

SewMachineRepair.com - save hundreds by learning to repair your own serger and sewing machines

SewVillage.com - the arts and crafts search spot, find anything you need here

SewWithSarah.com - cool pattern making tools, books, lessons and supplies

Stitch-World.com - unique cross stitch designs, including custom works from your photo or artwork

WeddingProjects.com - save $$$ with this fully illustrated guide to 50 wedding projects

1. Be prepared

Gather and purchase all of the supplies necessary to
complete your sewing or craft project ahead of time. Having to stop in the
middle of the project in order to run out and get a forgotten essential item is
time consuming and irritating.

2. Check the threading of your sewing machine

Double check the threading of your sewing machine to
prevent immediate stitching problems. Breaking thread or skipped stitches right
off the bat can cause you to lose interest in the project, not to mention the
time lost in fixing the problem. And speaking of thread, always use a good
quality thread. "Cheap" thread will fray, break and cause knotting of
the thread while sewing.

3. Use the correct needles for the project

It is a mistake to simply use the same needle for
everything you sew until it breaks. Some fabrics require a fine needle while
heavier duck type or denim fabrics require a heavier needle. Keep a supply of
assorted machine needles handy so you'll have the correct needle for the fabric
you'll be using. In addition, if you hit a pin, you should immediately change
the needle. A bent needle, even if only "slightly" bent or nicked can
cause skipped stitches and can quite possibly cause damage to your fabric.

4. Cut the fabric carefully

All pattern pieces have grainline markings. The grainline
should run parallel with the length of the fabric. If you simply lay the pattern
pieces anywhere on the fabric, ignoring the grain- lines, the finished garment
will not hang right. The extra few minutes spent laying the pattern pieces
correctly and cutting the seam lines precisely will result in a professional
looking garment you will be proud of.

5. Practice unusual or new techniques

If your project or garment includes a technique you are
not familiar with, or haven't done in quite some time, such as buttonholes or
flat felled seams, practice on a piece of extra fabric. It would be best to make
two or three practice samples before actually sewing on the garment itself.

6. Clip all threads as you sew

It only takes a second to clip the stitches from the
beginning and end of the seams. If you wait until the garment is finished it
will become a chore and you may be tempted to leave them, resulting in an
unprofessional looking garment. Be sure to have a waste basket handy, or tape a small lunch bag to the side of your sewing machine table in which to toss the
threads after clipping.

7. Press seams as you work

Pressing the seams during the sewing process will produce
a more professional looking garment, and will also make it easier to sew the
seams that will "cross" any of the seams already sewn. Gently open the
seams and press flat. You will save time if you sew several seams, then press
them all at once, before moving on to the next step.

8. Clean the sewing area

Clean up the sewing area after each project. A great motto
for your sewing/craft area is "a place for everything and everything in
its' place". Put things away - left over fabric in a scrap box or drawer,
scissors, pins and thread back in the drawer. The sewing room will look much
better and an organized sewing area is much more inviting than a messy, piled up area with only a "path" to the sewing machine.